I'm aware a lot of players found the toolset to be something of a beast, but with a little guidance it doesnt have to be hard!
The video tutorials below show you everything you need to enter any of the Community Contests, where you can learn the Toolset bit by bit and pick up prizes along the way!
Toolset Fundamentals - Understanding Files and Folders
Strongly recommended for all types of modding. Not as complicated as the diagram looks
15 minutes.
Toolset Fundamentals - Files, Folders and the Database - Explains what files are where, and which are used by the toolset, and which by the game. For the pictures, see The Builder's Wiki Page
Level Making - Exterior Levels
Requires: DA Toolset. Time: 32 mins. For Contest #1: Settlement Level
http://public.mike.f...l screenshot sm
Covers creating an outdoor area and testing it in-game. 4 parts:
Part 1 - camera, terrain morph and props
Part 2 - vegetation, area properties and collision
Part 3 - lighting and light probes
Part 4 - exporting and testing
Prop Making
Requires: 3ds Max or Gmax (free) and Eshme's Import/Export Tools. Time: 10 mins. For Contest #2: Prop Making
Prop Making Video Tutorial - Converting a 3ds max model into an export-ready prop, and exporting it.
Head Morphs
Requires: DA Toolset. Time: 12 mins. For Contest #3 mini: Head Morph and Contest #3: Character
Head Morph Video Tutorial - Creating a head morph from scratch and understanding the file formats.
Creatures and Dialogues
Requires: DA Toolset, Audacity (free). Time: 28 mins. For Contest 3: Character Contest
Covers creating a new creature and conversation. Later goes on to show how to use simple plot flags and plot scripts to provide functionality, as well as how to record and add voiceover to the conversation.
part 1, creature and conversation basics
part 2, plots and script
part 3, voiceover
Entering the Character Contest video guide
Level Making - Interior Levels
Requires: DA Toolset. Time: 12 mins. For Contest #5: Room Contest
Interior Level Tutorial - covers how to use the level editor to create an indoor room and export it as a SEL (selection) file. See the exterior level tutorial for how to export your level or test it in-game.
Custom Item Appearances - Retexturing and using an entirely new model
Requires (links given where product can be downloaded free):
DA Toolset,
DATool (optional),
3DS Max/Gmax and Eshme's Tools (new models only)
Image editing program (Photoshop, The GIMP, etc).
Time: ~28 mins. For Contest #6: Equipment Contest
Watch either:
Custom Weapon appearances - covers how to set up a weapon in 3DS Max for exporting.
--or--
Retexturing an existing model - covers how to find and retexture a DA armour model.
and then watch:
Adding item appearances to DA - covers how to add your new appearance to DA without replacing anything.
The Community Contest
The Community Contest is a great opportunity to learn the Toolset, with support and guidance from the community. The contest offers many prizes including $100 to spend at the Bioware Store, $50 amazon vouchers, any of the released DLC as codes, and various community time contributions including scripting, modelling and voice acting. Every valid entry gets a prize point, so there's no excuse not to give it a try and clock up some points to pick up some prizes!
So why not join our group and let us know if you're planning on entering!
Happy modding!
Modificata da mikemike37, 11 dicembre 2010 - 03:16 .
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